As the journey to Election Day progresses, it’s evident that no group of voters has been more steadfastly loyal to Donald Trump than young white men. A prevailing theory early on suggested that this loyalty was rooted in male isolation and loneliness. However, such an interpretation fundamentally misjudges the essence of Mr. Trump’s allure. His success with this demographic stems from his embodiment of a particular brand of masculinity that many Democrats struggle to acknowledge or embrace. This appeal extends beyond the confines of a single electoral cycle.
Mr. Trump promotes a regressive notion of masculinity that positions power over women as an inherent entitlement. The fact that this perspective resonates particularly with white men is no accident; it aligns with broader themes of entitlement, including the belief in white superiority over other races and the notion that women and minorities have gained their successes through unfair advantages such as Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (D.E.I.) initiatives, affirmative action, and government set-asides. For men who feel discontented with their standing in society, this worldview provides a convenient scapegoat, distracting from systemic issues like growing economic inequality and the challenges posed by rapid technological and cultural shifts.
The Trump campaign effectively tapped into what psychologists refer to as “hegemonic masculinity.” This concept posits that “ideal” men are those who assert dominance within hierarchies of power and status. Such men are characterized by mental and physical toughness, embodying traits that starkly oppose any association with femininity. Furthermore, this ideology maintains that dominance over not only women but also all marginalized groups is a natural order, purportedly benefiting society as a whole.
A study conducted in 2021 by psychologists Theresa Vescio and Nathaniel Schermerhorn revealed that hegemonic masculinity was a more significant predictor of individuals viewing Mr. Trump as a competent leader in both 2016 and 2020 than factors like sexism or racism alone. It even surpassed traditional indicators such as trust in government or party affiliation.
Mr. Trump’s rally speeches, often meandering, consistently conveyed this worldview without reservation. It seems unlikely that this was a mere strategy; rather, Mr. Trump has always revered power and status for their own sake, demonstrating dominance over women and exhibiting hostility toward minority groups. He frequently describes himself as the toughest, the best, the strongest—essentially, the ultimate winner. This self-portrayal is a reflection of his authentic self.
When aiming to deride his adversaries, he often highlights traits that hegemonic masculinity deems feminine. For instance, he has labeled opponents as less intelligent—referring to “low-I.Q.” Robert De Niro—while feminizing others, like calling Tim Walz “Tampon Tim.” He has also branded opponents as weak, dubbing Joe Biden “sleepy Joe.” When his targets are women, he tends to frame them through the lenses of sexuality or motherhood, as these are, in his view, the primary values a woman holds for men. Therefore, it comes as no surprise that he has characterized Kamala Harris as “low-I.Q.” and “lazy,” while also insinuating that she achieved her position by leveraging her sexuality.
